Campus Times | Lucknow 

Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov has publicly criticised the Indian government’s temporary restrictions on the messaging platform ahead of the NEET-UG re-examination, arguing that the move affects millions of genuine users without effectively tackling those responsible for spreading exam-related leaks and misinformation.

In a post on social media platform X, Durov said the decision unfairly penalises over 150 million Telegram users in India. He contended that restricting access to the platform does little to stop those involved in distributing leaked content, as such activities can easily migrate to other digital platforms.

The criticism comes after authorities took action against Telegram following concerns over the circulation of misleading claims and alleged paper leak content linked to the NEET-UG re-examination scheduled for June 21.

According to the National Testing Agency (NTA), investigators uncovered multiple scam networks operating through Telegram channels. These groups were allegedly charging students significant amounts of money, claiming they could provide access to the re-examination question paper before the test. Officials have categorically stated that no paper leak has occurred and warned students against falling victim to such schemes.

The NTA also highlighted concerns over Telegram’s message-editing feature, which can allow channel administrators to modify previously posted content while retaining the original timestamp. Authorities say this capability can be misused to create misleading narratives suggesting that exam questions were shared before the examination.

NTA Director General Abhishek Singh urged students and parents to remain cautious and avoid forwarding unverified messages or making payments to individuals claiming to possess confidential exam material. He emphasised that such scams are designed to exploit anxiety among candidates ahead of the examination.

Adding weight to the concerns, IIT Madras Director V. Kamakoti reportedly demonstrated how edited messages and altered content could be used to manufacture false evidence of question paper leaks.

As part of its preventive measures, the government directed app store operators to temporarily remove Telegram from their platforms until June 22. Android users attempting to download the application through the Google Play Store have reportedly been unable to access it, while activation issues have also been reported for new users on Apple devices.

Sources indicate that authorities are also in discussions with Telegram regarding a temporary suspension of certain platform features, including message editing, during the examination period.

The development has reignited a broader debate over balancing platform accountability, digital freedoms and the effectiveness of temporary restrictions in combating online misinformation and examination fraud.